I love engagement sessions at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. So when Annie suggested it, I was pretty excited to meet them there. And these two did not disappoint. What a wonderful couple! I had the absolute best time with Annie andTony and I’m so thrilled to share their gorgeous session! And of course, I’m so happy to share their proposal story with you.

First, from Annie’s perspective:

“I first met Tony at USAID at work in 2016 while planning for the 70-71 UN General Assembly. I knew there was something special about him when I met him. Fast forward to us dating three and a half years, my other half proposed on the evening of Friday, May 21, 2021.

He took me for a romantic dinner cruise on the Potomac passing by the charming monuments in Washington, D.C. On the night of the proposal, which was a complete surprise, I was working hard on preparing for the Columbian Vice President delegation and the Administrator of USAID to meet the next morning. Tony came home from work while I was working and putting makeup on at the same time. I had thought Tony was planning a surprise for my Master’s graduation but little did I know it was the biggest sunrise of my life!

Tony was acting a bit anxious the whole time. Once I was ready, we got in a car and headed to the Wharf to find out it was a dinner cruise, which I have never been on! We were both smiling and super happy. We took photos on the deck in the breezy spring weather and shared a delicious meal together. It was finally evening and dark outside.

We went back outside on the deck to see the sights of Georgetown and when I turned around, I saw Tony on one knee and asked if I would marry him. Completely stunned, I cried and said yes – we hugged and kissed, admired the Tiffany’s ring (which fit perfectly) sitting on the deck, smiling until our cheeks hurt over the beautiful glistening full moon over the Potomac waters.”

And from Tony’s perspective:

“This was the biggest and most memorable night of my life by far- I proposed to my long-time girlfriend of three 1/2 years, Annie Tulann. We have stood with each other through ups and downs, good and bad…..she is the most special person to me in my life, and my best friend.

I decided to propose on a dinner cruise of the Potomac, a 4-course meal and monument viewing from the water, which my mother had purchased as a gift for Annie’s graduation from George Mason. We had an amazing dinner: grilled Salmon and tomato risotto for her; for me short rib/veggies.

After dinner, I nervously asked Annie if she would like to take a walk outside on the deck to see the sites and get some air.. while hiding the light blue Tiffany’s bag. 🙂 As I went out onto the deck, I made sure that the maitre ‘d’ followed me, with my phone in hand, making him promise to remember my phone code, unless it locked…(3955, the old Belen landline phone#, ha), to take pictures of our special moment. It was a perfect, intimate moment for us, as he was able to snap some shots, right as I began to tell Annie how much she meant to me, AND really catch her by surprise with the proposal.

I turned around so my back was facing her, carefully took out the ring, so that she could not see, and then turned suddenly, going onto one knee….at that moment I proposed, and Annie cried for a second in shock and then said YES!! I am really proud she graduated recently with her Master’s in Public Policy from George Mason, and I wanted this to be the cherry on top of such an accomplishment. I felt such a rich connection with her mom, dad, brothers, and sister, that I knew it was the right decision for me. I am very lucky to have Annie in my life, forever!!”

Congratulations Annie and Tony!! I cannot wait for your wedding day at one of my all time favorite places, Morais Vineyards, this December! Keep scrolling for more highlights from their stunning session!

Michelle with Lieb Photographic is a Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer, a Charlottesville Wedding Photographer and photographs destinations worldwide. To see more weddings and engagement sessions in the Northern Virginia area, view the Leesburg Wedding Venue page. If you’d like to explore some more of my favorite wedding venues in the Virginia and Washington D.C. areas, view the Wedding Venues page. If you’d like to view more lovely engagement sessions, visit the engagement session gallery.